No matter what the code, pulling on the orange and charcoal for the first time is a special moment.

It’s a jumper that represents so much more than those that wear it on the field or those within the walls of the club.

It represents NSW and ACT. It represents players past and present – and the journeys and sacrifices made along the way.

With a refreshed line-up heading into season six of AFLW, there are three players from other clubs yet to wear the GIANTS ‘G’ and eight players yet to debut in the AFLW competition.

With the AFLW program set to begin their 2022 campaign this Sunday, the prospect of multiple debuts is on the cards.

Hear from coach Alan McConnell and get to know a bit about the new faces who may make their debut for the GIANTS this year.

Ally Dallaway

Age: 22
Jumper Number: 30
Position: Midfield
Drafted from: East Coast Eagles
Draft year: 2021

Coach says: “A late addition to our group, Ally has fitted in exceptionally well. She’s a bit older than our other new players but that maturity both athletically and emotionally has allowed for that seamless transition. She’s a good student of the game and has worked really hard in order to have an impact when her opportunity comes.”

Chloe Dalton

Age: 28
Jumper Number: 11
Position: Midfield
Traded from: Carlton Football Club
Trade year: 2021

Coach says: “Chloe has hardly missed a beat since entering our program off the back of her disappointing Ruby 7s and Olympics campaign. She’s fitted in seamlessly and what she brings to our leadership group through her worldliness and experience, both inside and outside of the game, has been priceless. Athletically she fits a huge need for this team with her speed around the ball.”

Jess Doyle

Age: 18
Jumper Number: 5
Position: Medium forward
Drafted from: Manly-Warringah
Draft year: 2021

Coach says: “One of our younger players, Jess brings a real enthusiasm to the group and her love of the game is infectious. She’s got really good fast feet and a competitive footy brain. We’ve worked hard with her during the pre-season to develop her game as both a forward and winger so she’s capable of filling multiple roles.”

Georgie Fowler

Age: 18
Jumper Number: 26
Position: Medium forward
Drafted from: East Coast Eagles
Draft year: 2021

Coach says: “Georgie comes off a really difficult season as an 18-year-old in the AFL Sydney Women’s competition – she missed a lot of footy with a variety of issues with her body. She’s had to work really hard to get on top of that whilst completing her Year 12 studies. Super energetic, enthusiastic and athletic, and has a nice turn of speed and a lovely kick.”

Jas Grierson

Age: 23
Jumper Number: 10
Position: Defender
Traded from: North Melbourne Football Club
Trade year: 2021

Coach says: “Jas has had some issues with her body over the off-season and has worked really hard to address those issues. That’s probably had a bit of an impact on getting her to the line for the start of the season, but her skill and knowledge is invaluable, and we think she will make an impact on this side over the course of the season.”

Katie Loynes

Age: 35
Jumper Number: 7
Position: Midfield
Traded from: Carlton Football Club
Trade year: 2021

Coach says: “Loynesy has had a fabulous preparation – she has probably completed a bigger load relative to previous seasons. Her footy brain and capacity to play on-ball is well documented and she’ll certainly use both for us over the course of this season.”

Ally Morphett

Age: 18
Jumper Number: 22
Position: Ruck
Drafted from: Belconnen Magpies/Murray Bushrangers
Draft year: 2021

Coach says: “Ally is a very talented young girl. She’s still learning the game and you often forget that given her size, you have a sense that she’s been playing for a long time. A very skilful player that’s been fine tuning her consistency, but she certainly has a wow factor.”

Brodee Mowbray

Age: 19
Jumper Number: 31
Position: Small forward
Drafted from: Southern Power
Draft year: 2021

Coach says: “Another one of our younger draftees, Brodee comes from a netball background so is still learning the game. However, she brings all the rights attributes - she’s super competitive, very quick, great tackle and runs really hard. She’s done a fabulous job to integrate herself into the group.”

Cassidhe Simmons

Age: 26
Jumper Number: 28
Position: Medium Forward/wing
Drafted from: UNSW/ES Bulldogs
Draft year: 2021

Coach says: “Cass comes from an alternative sport, with her background as a Heptathlete. She’s not played a lot of footy and has found the rigors of contact a bit of a challenge, so we’ve worked hard to get the continuity in her preparation over the past months. She’ll make a big run in the back half of the season.”

Brid Stack

Age: 35
Jumper Number: 15
Position: Defender
Recruited from: County Cork, Ireland
Draft year: 2020

Coach says: “I think her history at the GIANTS has been pretty well documented in terms of her injury last season. But she’s back and she’s worked really hard to prepare accordingly and has put in a lot of extras. She loves to carry the ball and has a nice turn of speed and good step, which adds well in our playing group.”

Emily Pease

Age: 19
Jumper Number: 33
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Drafted from: Belconnen Magpies
Draft year: 2020

Coach says: “This is Em’s second season on the list, and she has not missed a beat this pre-season. She had a really good season in the AFL Sydney Women’s competition with the Inner West – she’s got a lovely kick and is very athletic. We’ve played her mostly over the wing throughout the preparation and a bit of a run on the ball which offers us great versatility.”